5 Cool Things You Didn’t Know About Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is a fun, historic spot to take your students. It seems to be a rite of passage! Do you remember your class trip to Washington D.C.? Every year, it seems like we discover cool and interesting things to suggest or recommend for our trip organizers. Here are a few alternative attractions or aspects of the city to consider!

• The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum

• Metro Friendly

• Old Town Alexandria

The Bonsai that Survived Hiroshima 

The White Japanese Pine bonsai tree is about 395 years old, and survived the atomic blast of Hiroshima in 1945… And it is housed in Washington, D.C.! It was donated to the National Arboretum from the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum by Japanese bonsai master, Masaru Yamaki in 1976 as a gift of friendship. The museum staff was unaware of the tree’s history until 2001! For those interested in all things pertaining to science and agriculture, maybe a visit to The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum is something to consider. 

The City is Pretty Metro Friendly 

There are a few school districts or trip organizers that prefer to provide an authentic overview of the destination they are visiting. If you are interested in taking a group of older, mature students to Washington, D.C., you may want to consider the use of the metro. It’s a unique approach and an experiential opportunity for groups who have never used public transportation before! The DC metro is clean, spacious, and incredibly safe, too. Don’t worry, you can request a Tour Manager to accompany you on the trip to handle the logistics. 

Old Town Alexandria

Technically, Alexandria is located in Virginia, but it isn’t too far from Washington, D.C. Alexandria is rich in history, with many preserved 18th-century houses. It’s old-timey and charming, with a bustling downtown area full of shops and cafes. At the end of the main street, there is the Potomac River Harbor with a beautiful view of open water and docked boats. In the past, we have had visits to Old Alexandria after dinner for ice cream as an evening activity. 

At GO, we offer an array of standardized itineraries that pinpoint staple highlights for a classic trip to Washington D.C. for middle school and high school students, STEM/STEAM or Civics-focused programs, or even the president Inauguration in 2021.  If you are seeking something a bit more creative, let us know. Maybe you want to include some of the items we featured in this article. We also offer customized services that allow you to build your trip your way!. Reach out to our Travel Specialists today!

By: Sarah Hessasta; Travel Specialist